Rochdale funeral director one of youngest in Greater Manchester

Rhian Messam, 23, has now become the Co-op’s youngest director in the Greater Manchester region

After working as a funeral arranger for just 18 months, Rhian Messam, 23, now manages the Co-op Funeralcare Rochdale and Bury funeral homes. She joined the company last year, three weeks before the first lockdown started, before becoming a funeral director within six months.

Rhian made the decision to start a career in funeral care after sadly losing her grandmother in 2019. Visiting her in the chapel of rest, Rhian was struck by the fact that she didn’t look herself, and so took matters into her own hands, redressing her for the funeral.

The experience sparked a desire in Rhian for caring for the deceased and she knew she wanted to pursue a career in the funeral industry. She has often received feedback from clients that she brings light and much-needed comfort to situations that are otherwise very distressing.

Rhian said: “Giving families the best possible goodbye is my number one priority.

“I believe that it’s important that funeral care moves with the times, which is why I have taken this opportunity to offer families new ideas from a younger perspective – whether it’s suggesting a different type of coffin, hearse or music.

“I have seen a huge shift in funerals and that they are no longer carried out in the ‘traditional way’ but really reflect the lives of those who have passed away.”

Rhian added: “It has been an absolute privilege for me to support bereaved families and care for their loved ones during the past 18 months; there is simply nothing else I would rather do.

“As a young female working in this industry, I’m not what someone might expect a funeral director to be and people are often surprised when they hear about my profession. At Bury and Rochdale funeral homes, we have colleagues of many different ages and backgrounds and that diversity really helps us in supporting family members from across the generations.”